CBI Ghana Ltd., producers of Supacem Cement, has taken a bold step toward revolutionizing Ghana’s cement industry by investing $100 million in a new state-of-the-art LC3 (Limestone Calcined Clay Cement) production facility in Tema. This strategic investment positions Ghana as a pioneer in Africa’s journey toward sustainable, locally sourced cement manufacturing, addressing long-standing issues related to raw material dependency and supply volatility.
The new facility, now the world’s largest LC3 cement plant, marks a significant shift away from imported clinker—a critical yet increasingly expensive component in traditional cement production. By utilizing Ghana’s abundant local raw materials, the plant offers a homegrown solution to the country’s clinker problem, and simultaneously promotes environmental responsibility.
Local Innovation Meets Global Standards
Kobby Adams, Commercial Director at Supacem, highlighted the instrumental role of the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) in enabling this innovation. In 2024, the GSA officially adopted the GS PAS 5:2024 standard for LC3 cement, laying the foundation for broader adoption of this environmentally sustainable product.
“This landmark achievement followed two years of collaborative research and development involving premier Ghanaian institutions like Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), the University of Ghana, and the Building and Road Research Institute (BRRI),” said Adams. “These efforts were further enhanced by the contributions of leading international universities and laboratories committed to sustainable construction technologies.”
A Response to Industry Challenges
Ghana’s cement industry has long been dependent on imported clinker, exposing the country to global supply chain disruptions and foreign exchange volatility. In recent months, the situation has worsened due to a significant depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi and escalating export prices from clinker hubs along the Mediterranean rim.
As a result, cement retailers and construction firms across the country have been grappling with supply shortages and inconsistent pricing, complicating planning for builders and real estate developers alike.
“The scarcity and rising cost of clinker can be traced to a 5.6 percent depreciation in the local currency between December and February, coupled with unpredictable global market trends,” Adams explained. “Our LC3 plant mitigates these risks by tapping into Ghana’s own raw material reserves, ensuring a more stable and reliable supply chain.”
Impact on Local Economy and Environment
Beyond addressing supply chain challenges, Supacem’s LC3 initiative offers wide-reaching benefits for the Ghanaian economy and the environment. By sourcing raw materials locally and developing infrastructure in Tema and Torgome, the project has created over 160 direct jobs, while also empowering women through vocational training programs.
“Switching to LC3 not only strengthens our economic resilience by reducing import dependency, but it also supports Ghana’s environmental goals,” Adams noted. “Compared to traditional cement, LC3 significantly reduces CO₂ emissions—making it a cornerstone in Ghana’s climate action strategy.”
The company also sees this transition as a critical opportunity to build local technical expertise. Supacem has made significant investments in a cutting-edge cement laboratory to develop Ghanaian talent in advanced LC3 technology. This investment ensures that Ghana not only benefits from technological transfer but also becomes a knowledge hub for sustainable construction practices across Africa.
Enhancing Industry Collaboration and Resilience
Supacem’s vision extends beyond its own operations. In a groundbreaking move, the company has begun supplying its locally produced LC3 raw materials to Ghacem, Ghana’s largest cement manufacturer. This collaborative gesture signals an industry-wide commitment to reducing clinker imports and embracing local solutions.
“Our approach is about transforming the entire sector,” Adams emphasized. “By working together with other key players, we can build a resilient and self-sufficient cement industry that benefits all Ghanaians.”
Industry stakeholders have praised Supacem’s initiative, viewing it as a direct response to the challenges plaguing the construction sector. Emmanuel Cherry, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry, has consistently advocated for the exploration of local alternatives to clinker. Supacem’s investment, bolstered by regulatory support from the GSA, exemplifies how public-private partnerships can drive meaningful change.
“This project illustrates how Ghanaian innovation and resourcefulness can solve critical challenges in the cement sector,” said one industry expert, speaking anonymously to Daily Graphic. “It’s a step toward a more sustainable, self-reliant, and environmentally conscious construction industry.”
A New Era for Ghana’s Cement Industry
While recent price adjustments in the cement market have been attributed to a variety of operational and economic factors, Supacem believes that the cost-effective supply chain created by LC3 technology could pave the way for long-term price stability and increased affordability for consumers.
“By manufacturing a significant portion of our cementitious materials locally, we are reducing our exposure to external shocks,” Adams said. “That means more consistent pricing and reliable availability for both retailers and builders.”
As Ghana continues its path toward industrial development, projects like Supacem’s LC3 plant demonstrate the transformative power of investing in local innovation. The initiative serves as a model not only for the cement sector but for other industries looking to strengthen domestic production and reduce environmental impact.
Supacem’s bold $100 million investment stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainability, local empowerment, and economic resilience. By leading the transition to LC3, Supacem is not only rewriting the story of cement production in Ghana but also helping to lay the foundations for a greener, more self-sufficient future.
